Joshua 17:16,Joshua 17:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

Here, I. The children of Joseph quarrel with their lot; if they had had any just cause to quarrel with it, we have reason to think Joshua would have relieved them, by adding to it, or altering it, which it does not appear he did. It is probable, because Joshua was himself of the tribe of Ephraim, they promised themselves that they should have some particular favour shown them, and should not be confined to the decision of the lot so closely as the other tribes; but Joshua makes them know that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 17:16

And the children of Joseph said, the hill is not enough for us ,.... Meaning either Mount Ephraim, and all included in it; or it may be rather the wood country on the hills and mountains they were bid to go up to; signifying, that if they could gain that out of the hands of the Perizzites and giants, and clear it of the wood, and make it habitable, even that would not be sufficient for them; or that hill and mountain cannot be "found by us" F18 לא ימצא לנו "non invenietur nobis",... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 17:16

The hill is not enough for us - The mountain of Gilboa being that which had fallen to them by lot. Chariots of iron - We cannot possess the plain country, because that is occupied by the Canaanites; and we cannot conquer them, because they have chariots of iron, that is, very strong chariots, and armed with scythes, as is generally supposed. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 17:16

Verse 16 16.And the children of Joseph said, etc It is too apparent that they were thinking only of themselves, because they quibble as much as they can, in order to avoid following the suggestion of Joshua, than which, however, nothing was more reasonable. They object, that the mountain is rugged and little better than a desert, and therefore, though it were added to them, they would derive very little benefit from it. In regard to the plain, which was cultivated and fertile, they object that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

Self-help. I. IT IS FOOLISH TO COMPLAIN OF OUR LOT UNTIL WE HAVE MADE THE BEST USE OF IT . The Ephraimites had not cleared their forest, yet they complained of the narrowness of their possession. We do not know the extent of our advantages till we try them. In murmuring at the privations of life we spoil the enjoyment of its blessings. Hardships which we ascribe to the arrangements of Providence may often be traced to our own indolence. The one talent is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

The Division of the Land Let us make some further observations on the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The descendants of Joseph receive but a small lot. They complain bitterly of this, saying, " We are a great people." Joshua replies that, just because they are a great people, they may be contented with the share assigned them, for they will have the opportunity of perpetually extending their borders. "The mountain shall be thine; for thou shalt drive out... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:16

And the children of Joseph said. This reply justifies Joshua's sarcasm. The Ephraimites and Manassites blame Joshua when they ought to be blaming themselves. They excuse themselves from a task which they are too idle to execute, and wish Joshua to make arrangements for them which are wholly unnecessary. The hill is not enough for us. Literally, the hill is not found for us—that is, is not sufficient (see Numbers 11:9 .2; Zechariah 10:10 ). Of the valley of Jezreel. Rather, in the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 17:16

The possession by the Canaanites of chariots strengthened and tipped with iron, such as were used by the Egyptians Exodus 14:7, is named here by the children of Joseph as a reason why they could not possess themselves of the plains. “The valley of Jezreel” is the broad low valley which sweeps from “Zerin” between the mountains of Gilboa and the range of little Hermon eastward down to the Jordan. It was most likely in this valley that the host of the Midianites was encamped, when attacked by... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 17:16

Joshua 17:16. The hill is not enough for us That is, if we could get possession of the woody mountain, cut down all its trees, and destroy all its inhabitants, it would not be sufficient for us. But the Hebrew is, The hill will not be found; that is, obtained by us. Those fierce and strong people the Perizzites and the giants will easily defend themselves, and frustrate our attempts, having the advantage of the woods and mountains. The Canaanites that dwell, &c. They seem to mean... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 17:1-18

The Joseph tribes (16:1-17:18)Ephraim and the western half of Manasseh together occupied most of the central portion of Canaan between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea (16:1-4). The southern part of this territory belonged to Ephraim (5-10), the northern part to Manasseh (17:1). (The other half of Manasseh had already received its allotment east of Jordan.)Western Manasseh was divided between six major family groups. No details are given concerning portions received by five of these... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 17:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 17:16

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 17:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:16

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 17:16

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 17:16

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 17:1-18

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